Activision, Inc. announced today that the company will develop and publish interactive entertainment games based on Columbia Pictures/Marvel Enterprises, Inc.’s upcoming feature film Spider-Man 3, which is set for release in May 2007. Activision is currently developing console and PC games based on the highly anticipated movie Spider-Man 2 that are scheduled for release in North America timed to the film’s launch on June 30.

According to Sony Pictures Entertainment’s recent Spider-Man 3 announcement, Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst will reprise their roles as Spider-Man and Mary Jane with Sam Raimi set to direct.

Under a separate agreement with Marvel Enterprises, Inc., Activision also holds the exclusive rights to the classic Spider-Man comic book character. The company intends to release a game based on the 40+ year history of the Spider-Man comic book stories during 2005. Under Activision, the Spider-Man franchise has already generated approximately $245 million in revenues in the United States, according to NPD.

“Activision is very excited to further expand its licensing agreement with Spider-Man Merchandising, L.P. on the third installment in the blockbuster series,” said Ron Doornink, CEO of Activision Publishing, Inc. “We expect that our upcoming Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3 video games will continue building on the success we have already experienced with the franchise. Spider-Man has proven to be one of the most popular video game properties in the world. We expect that our future titles based on the brand will continue to top consumers’ most wanted lists every year.”

Tim Rothwell, President of Marvel Worldwide Consumer Media Group, added, “Activision has been an amazing partner and great addition to the Spider-Man franchise. They truly understand the basic essence that makes Spider-Man one of the most popular characters in the world and continue to translate this into engaging and entertaining interactive content. The bar has been raised with each introduction of the character and we’re excited to see what they develop for the third installment.”